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On the heels of the May Grand Rapids ATHENA Leadership Forum, we wanted to get the perspective on the ATHENA tenet Collaboration from a Grand Rapidian involved in the community's social, creative, and entrepreneurial scene. Without question, we looked to Johannah Jelks of Generation X&Y for MI, a grassroots organization she started that helps support Michigan neighborhoods by helping increase capital, talent retention, and entrepreneurial growth. Choosing Johannah for this ATHENA tenet was a "no-brainer."

According to the Safe Cosmetics Action Network, loopholes in federal law allow the cosmetics industry to put unlimited amounts of chemicals into personal care products with no required testing, monitoring of health effects, or labeling requirements. While some cosmetics companies have conceded that their products contain trace amounts of additives that have been found to be hazardous, they often argue that the amounts are negligible. But when you consider how many beauty products you use in a single day, over the course of your life, negligible amounts are still a cause for concern.

Authenticity. You hear the word frequently from Meredith Bronk. Some say she's often the only woman in the room. Meredith says there are plenty of women in technology; that leadership isn't about gender; that collaboration at Open Systems Technologies, where she was promoted to president April 1, is so strong no one notices when she's the only woman.

Megan Sall of The Right Place, Inc. lit up the room at the March Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce's ATHENA Leadership Forum, with her personal and humorous take on the tenet of Fierce Advocacy. Beyond that, we wanted to chat with Megan about the related Authentic Self tenet and being—in her words— "picky-choosy." Here, Megan shares her insights and advice for living personally and professionally as the truest version of you.

One of West Michigan’s most beloved swim instructors is Patty Treman, aka Miss Patty. But if you want to take part in her lessons, you’d better get on the list now.

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